Kara’s Bean

By LYNN PINKERTON
After a roller coaster of strange winter weather, I find myself catapulted into a string of juicy, bud-popping spring days. Blue-green days when my thoughts turn to seeds and the mysterious powers they hold inside their tiny, improbable-looking dried shells. Days when anything seems possible if I can wait long enough.
My niece Kara… »

Lost on Earth Day

By KIMBERLY ELLEN ANDERSON
On Earth Day 1990, I took a class trip to Washington, D.C., with my high school history and civics instructor. Not everyone went—just those who could afford it and those really interested in the environmental movement. I fell more in the former group. At 16, I jumped at the chance to… »

Batteries Not Included

By JANNA MCMAHAN
Your arms are hanging limp at your sides
Your legs got nothing to do
Some machine is doing that for you
— “In the Year 2525 (Exordium and Terminus),” lyrics by Rick Evans
The last time I was home in Kentucky I went straight to the one place I’m sure to find my mother—the kitchen.
“You know,” Mom… »

The Good Gifts of a Fishing Hole

By GLENDA BARRETT
When my great grandmother, Sallie, grew old, she moved in with my grandmother, better known as “Mamaw” to her grandchildren, and for as long as I can remember, the two of them had a real passion for fishing.
One hot summer day, they decided to try their luck at Mamaw’s favorite spot, the Minnie… »

The Way of the Eco-Warrior

By D. CAMERON LAWRENCE

Growing up in southern New England in the 1960s and ’70s—pre-sprawl—I had what many children today do not have: a birthright of outdoor adventure. We opened our doors to a huge, undivided landscape of green fields, tumbling brooks, hummocked marshes and quiet woods. My little brother and I roamed the outdoors like… »

ESSAY
Lessons in Neighborliness

By BRIAN LOWRY

A few years ago I attended the Healthy Foods, Local Farms Conference sponsored by the Community Farm Alliance of Kentucky. Amish farmer, naturalist and writer David Kline gave a wonderful speech that day. A question and answer period followed. The topic of technology came up. Of his people, David said, “We allow technology… »